While Andy Warhol may best be known for leading the charge in the pop-art movement of the 1960s from his New York City studio, it was on the quiet shores of La Jolla in May 1968 where Warhol, film director Paul Morrissey and crew set the scene for “San Diego Surf,” one of the last films in which Warhol was directly involved before his death in 1987.

“San Diego Surf,” which was only partially edited, was completed and released in January this year at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York — more than 40 years after it was originally filmed.

The 90-minute color film showcases many of Warhol’s infamous superstars and features a loose narrative about an unhappily married couple and their pregnant daughter, all of whom are chasing after the attention of San Diego surfers.

On March 16, the spirit of Warhol’s work will return to La Jolla’s shores at the Museum of Contemporary Art for the West Coast premiere of the film, which was completed by original film director Paul Morrissey based on the existing notes and rough cut.

Guests are invited to come early for the pre-screening happy hour beginning at 4:30 p.m., which will include light hors d’oeuvres, a no-host bar and the rare behind-the-scenes look at Warhol and Morrissey’s making of the film through never-before-seen footage filmed by La Jolla resident Lee Pratt. The film screening will begin at 5:30 p.m.

Tickets to the film screening are $8 for general admission, $5 for students and seniors and free for MCASD members. MCASD La Jolla is located at 700 Prospect St. For more information, visit www.mcasd.org or call (858) 454-3541.

Through the museum's Extended School Partnership (ESP) program, ArtsTech High School students and teachers will focus on works of art featured in the “Lifelike” exhibition, as well as other works from MCASD’s permanent collection, and create work in response to the works on view. Join these students as they present their pieces at this special showcase.

The Mexican Tapes is a series of four videos portraying Louis Hock’s growing friendship and empathy with his Mexican neighbors in San Diego in the 1980s, his acceptance into their community, and an examination of their day-to-day struggles. Watch them on the big screen in the comfort of Sherwood Auditorium. During intermission, join filmmaker Louis Hock for a Q&A session. This program is free for members and $5 nonmembers.

MCASD’s Second Annual 25 and Under Art Contest

Submission deadline April 22

MCASD is launching its second annual 25 and Under Art Contest, inviting people ages 25 and under to create and submit artwork inspired by the “greedy organ” (a.k.a. the human eye) to be considered for a showcase at the museum. Submissions are due by April 22. A panel of judges will select 25 finalists whose work will be displayed in a showcase event at MCASD Downtown on May 16 from 5 to 7 p.m. The public will be invited to vote on their favorite artworks in person and on Facebook. Four winners will be selected in the two categories: People's Choice (first place and honorable mention) and Curator's Choice (first place and honorable mention). The first place winner in the Curator's Choice category will win a $500 gift certificate to Blick Art Supplies and a dual or family membership to the museum. Learn more about the contest at www.feedyourgreedyorgan.com.

Film: “The American Tapes”

May 11, 5 to 10 p.m.

MCASD presents the West Coast screening of “The American Tapes.” In 1987, American filmmaker Louis Hock created “The Mexican Tapes.” Now he presents a new perspective about the life of Mexican immigrants in America. Grab a beer and food during a screening break from 7 to 8 p.m. right outside the museum’s auditorium. This program is free for members and $5 for nonmembers.

Axline Lecture

May 16, 7 p.m.

MCASD and the San Diego Museum of Art will present the 13th annual Axline lecture featuring Charles Ray, who is best known for his uncanny sculptures of altered and refashioned familiar objects which deceive perceptual judgments in unexpected ways. This program is $10 for general admission, $5 for students and free for MCASD and San Diego Museum of Art members.

Extended School Partnership (ESP) Showcase

May 16, 5 to 7 p.m.

Through the museum’s Extended School Partnership (ESP) program, The Bishop’s School Spanish students will focus on works of art featured in the “Lifelike” exhibition and respond to the works on view. Join these students as they present their work at this special showcase event.

MCASD is one of hundreds of art museums across the country offering free admission as part of Art Museum Day, an initiative of the Association of Art Museum Directors (AAMD). Also enjoy free exhibition tours at 2 p.m., as well as a special gift when you become a member.

Gain a deeper understanding of works on view and hear directly from “Approximately Infinite Universe” artists Chitra Ganesh, Victoria Fu and Saya Woolfalk. Using artists’ work as a launch pad to explore broad topics in contemporary art, this program invites participants to join in the conversation, which will be moderated by exhibition curator Jill Dawsey. This program is free for members, students and seniors with paid museum admission and $5 for nonmembers with paid museum admission.

Take part in a Look/Explore tour and let MCASD gallery educators lead you and your family in lively conversation about the exhibition “Approximately Infinite Universe.” In addition to exploring the galleries, guests will enjoy a hands-on art experience. This program is recommended for families with children ages 5 and older. The program is $10 for members and military families and $25 for nonmember families. The family price includes two adults and up to three youth.

Depart from the summer camp norm and give your youngsters a crash course in contemporary art as they paint, sculpt, print, and draw their way through the summer at our seaside La Jolla location. Campers will learn about artwork featured in our exhibitions from professional gallery educators, create artwork in a variety of mediums, and learn about contemporary artists' practices. The weeklong camp session will culminate in a celebration of the campers' own artwork. Two weeklong camp sessions will be offered for different age groups. Session one will run from July 22-26 for children ages seven to nine, and session two will run from July 29 through Aug. 2 for children ages 10 to 12. Half-day camps are $85 for members and $190 for nonmembers, and full-day camps are $140 for members and $380 for nonmembers. For more information or to reserve a spot, contact the museum’s education department at (858) 454-3541 x151 or email education@mcasd.org.